Lauralee Bell started on Y&R in 1983 as teen model Cricket Blair (now known as Christine Williams), but 35 years later, the real-life daughter of Y&R Co-Creators William J. and Lee Phillip Bell is not only a fan favorite but, as you’ll read here, also a beloved co-star.
Michael Damian (ex-Danny): “Congratulations, Lauralee, on 35 star-studded years on Y&R! I am honored to have worked with you for a good portion of those years and what an amazing Technicolor time it was! Your kindness, friendship, professionalism and generosity on and off the set is awe-inspiring. We had so many wonderful times working together and one of my favorite memories was going on location for the spectacular Cricket and Danny Hawaiian wedding. The magical setting and gorgeous sunsets made it one of the most memorable moments for me on Y&R.”
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Sharon Case (Sharon): “We all love Lauralee because she is such a kind, down-to-earth woman. She knows how to work and has a great sense of humor.”
Beth Maitland (Traci): “I started working with Lauralee the summer she was 14, with Danny, Traci and Cricket in a sweet summer storyline. This earnest and determined young lady turned into one of the most lovely, kind, sensitive and gifted women I know, and I am honored and grateful to call her my friend.”
Tracey E. Bregman (Lauren): “Lauralee and I have been friends since the day we met when she was 14. I used to drive her around and scare her by my speed over the canyons. She is the sweetest, most genuine person I know. An amazing actress, mother, wife and businesswoman. It has been such a pleasure to watch her grow from a girl into the powerhouse she is today and she has done it all with such grace. She is truly beautiful inside and out. Love you LBM!”
Melissa Ordway (Abby): “I remember when I was growing up watching Y&R, Cricket was my favorite character. I thought she was so pretty. When I started working on the show and I met Lauralee for the first time, she exceeded my expectations. Not only was she even more beautiful in person, but she has the most beautiful heart. She is such a wonderful, sweet, kind and talented person!”
Amelia Heinle (Victoria): “I feel like Lauralee is the heart of Y&R. She could easily be the meanest person on the show, and she is, in fact, the nicest and kindest person you would meet anywhere.”
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Tricia Cast (ex-Nina): “In 1986, I basically turned up barefoot at Lauralee’s doorstep. She’s been letting me couch surf ever since. At one pivotal moment she wisely advised, ‘Put on some shoes and let’s go to The Ivy.’ Her grace and generosity are exceeded only by her fierce loyalty as a friend.”
Christian J. LeBlanc: “Michael Baldwin was the first ‘bad guy’ role I had ever booked. The sexual harassment storyline was an amazing opportunity for any actor, but extremely challenging. I had never played a violent character before. If Lauralee, at any time, had shown me that she was uncomfortable or uneasy with the physicality of those scenes I would never have been able to play them. She was the epitome of grace under pressure. She is the ultimate professional.”
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Peter Bergman (Jack): “Everyone loves Lauralee Bell because, in 35 years, no one has ever seen her play the boss’s daughter. She is bright, kind, considerate, prepared and professional … and a damn fine actress, as well. Like me, everyone at Y&R is happy to open a script and learn that they have scenes with Christine. That is why we love her. Happy 35, Lauralee!”
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Gina Tognoni (Phyllis): “Lauralee is so bright! When I’ve had the pleasure of chatting and connecting with her in between scenes, she always brings so much to the conversation. On the professional front, she is just that and more. She commits to the work and is focused on making every scene solid. She truly is a lovely and generous human being. Congrats on 35 years at your Y&R home.”
Jess Walton (Jill): “I admired Lauralee from the first moment I met her. She was beyond gracious to me and welcomed me warmly on my first day of work, which was great because we were in the same storyline and I got to work with her all of the time! I love her to this day because of her sweetness and her huge heart, as well as her kindness and consideration to everyone around her, and I do mean everyone, cast and crew members alike. She has developed her character from a shy, young ingénue to a savvy lawyer over the years and made it believable. There has never been an ounce of entitlement about her, even though Y&R is her family’s show. She has always made it a point to be the ultimate professional, showing up on time and perfectly prepared as far as the script is concerned. This beautiful girl is just an all-around extraordinary human being and one of my favorites. Congratulations, honey!”
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Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki): “Lauralee is beautiful, gracious, professional and so much more fun than Christine! She stepped into what could have been difficult territory as Bill Bell’s daughter, and conquered her position as the young ingénue like a seasoned professional. Always prepared, I’ve never heard her say an unkind thing about anyone, and that’s very rare in this business. Plus, she was a young girl, early teens as I recall. Had not done any other production, yet she stepped in as a pro from day one. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree there; her mother, Lee Bell, did a beautiful job in raising the compassionate, warm, accomplished actress that Lauralee is today. I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Kate Linder (Esther): “Everyone loves Lauralee Bell and I am no exception! I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Lauralee since she began working on the show 35 years ago. I will never forget the crazy personal appearance we did in Bermuda with Lee Bell and my husband, Ron. Everyone was very excited that we were there and followed us from place to place, causing front-page headlines — we were in shock! Lauralee has really been there for me through the years and has shared in not only my joys, but my heartaches, as well. She has always made me feel that I am part of the family. Not only is she very giving and caring but a consummate professional. I look forward to working with her for another 35 years. I am honored to call her my friend. Happy 35th anniversary, Lauralee, and many, many more!”
Marla Adams (Dina): “I love Lauralee as I have loved her mother and father! They are such generous and gracious people. They have such a legacy. Lauralee has never changed; she is humble and sweet as pie! Respect and love for the entire Bell family, as they have always treated me like family!”
Thad Luckinbill (ex-J.T.): “Lauralee is one of the kindest and friendliest people I know. Thanks for showing us that talent and humility are not mutually exclusive! Congratulations.”
Doug Davidson (Paul): “I have worked with Lauralee on and off for her entire 35 years and in that time I have no recollection of her ever being in a bad mood or her having a horrible day. I have many memories of laughing so hard I had sore muscles and tears streaming down my face, and her lifting me out of a funk and raising my sprits to the point where she is a real-life Mary Poppins! Every day’s a holiday with Lauralee! What is not to love?”
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Thom Bierdz (ex-Phillip): “I love Lauralee because she is so pure in spirit, her intentions are so kind. She would never hurt anyone, and is actually very humble, when many women of her stature (wealth, success) are arrogant. She is the furthest thing from arrogant. A genuine sweetheart that anyone is lucky to know. The world is blessed to have people like her.”
